The two-year degree in Theatre Arts is a comprehensive program in theater that combines a critical study of theatre with experiential practice in one or more of its component parts. Students explore the various areas of theater to build a foundation for future creative work. The theatre arts degree will provide training in theatre arts production for students who intend to pursue study beyond the AA degree, who are preparing for careers in teaching or in the professional theatre. The basic program also provides an opportunity for specialization in Performance or Design/Technology. A Certificate of Achievement in Theatre for Young Audiences is also available for students whose interest is in doing theatre with or for children.
Highlights include:
🗸 Distinguished faculty with nationally renowned professional experience in directing and design, as well as considerable teaching experience on both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
🗸 A Visual and Performing Arts Complex, which includes a 320-seat proscenium theatre, a 100-seat Black Box theatre, and an outdoor stage.
🗸 Opportunity for advanced students to gain access to the finest four-year college and university theatre programs as well as internships in major regional theatres throughout the country.
🗸 Partnerships with local professional theatre companies for internships.
This degree is designed to provide hands-on experience in the production of plays as well as prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions, and for a baccalaureate major in Theatre or related majors.
Note to Transfer Students:
If you are interested in transferring to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in this major, it is critical that you meet with a CRC counselor to select and plan the courses for your major. Schools vary widely in terms of the required preparation. The courses that CRC requires for an Associate’s degree in this major may be different from the requirements needed for the Bachelor’s degree.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
🗸 Critique and evaluate the role of the theatre arts and its relationship to other parts of society.
🗸 Evaluate the historical, artistic, social, and philosophical environments in which theatre exists.
🗸 Analyze and critique dramatic literature and performance.
🗸 Develop both a conceptual understanding and a practical application of skills related to the theatre discipline in performance, technical theatre, theatre production and performance studies.
🗸 Synthesize the roles and responsibilities of working as a member of an ensemble and production team and perform dependably, competently, collaboratively and resourcefully as part of the ensemble and production team.
🗸 Apply the necessary skills for entry-level work in educational, community and professional theatrical endeavors and for entry into undergraduate bachelorette study in theatre arts.
Career Information
Theater arts majors will develop attributes that are highly valued by employers. These include: interpersonal soft skills, critical thinking, research, analysis, oral/written communication, presentation, and problem solving skills. The A.A. degree helps prepare students for many career opportunities. Program career opportunities include jobs with theater production and performing arts organizations as well as many related industries such as advertising, television, film, recreation, and academia. Potential Job Titles: Costume Designer, Drama Therapist, Casting Director, Set Designer, Stage Manager, Talent Manager, Playwright. Teacher Stage Actor, Director, Literary Manager, Arts Manager, Box office manager, Producer, Arts advocate, Lobbyist, Giving and Fundraising Specialist, Lighting Designer, Sound Designer, Designer, Lighting Engineer, Dramaturge, Shop Supervisor, Wardrobe Crew, Dresser, Booking Agent, Public Relations Specialist, Special Effects Technician, Theater Critic, Voice acting, Announcer, Event Planner, Arts Administrator, PR and Advertising Specialist Additionally, many employers in other disciplines actively recruit theatre majors.